Product Description
MGF Coil Spring Conversion Kit - RP1205 - Genuine MG Rover
The kit consists of the following:
2 x front spring canisters
2 x rear spring canisters
2 x front non adjustable dampers
2 x rear non adjustable dampers
4 x rebound stops & screws
1 x fitting instructions
Fitting the MGF Hydragas Suspension Replacement Kit to an MGF is within the capability of an owner who is competent and familiar with working on many aspects of their car beyond simple servicing, and who has a comprehensive selection of tools and good working facilities. However, XPart recommend that it is fitted by competent motor engineers and that the fitting instructions are strictly adhered to. If in any doubt, seek professional assistance.
As a guide to professional fitting costs it is worth noting that the MG Rover time allocated for the replacement of standard displacers and dampers is listed at 2 hours per side. Fitting the MGF Hydragas Suspension Replacement Kit should occupy a similar time frame.
Note! Any seized nuts, bolts or other fixings, which is a quite reasonable expectation on a car made before 2002, will lengthen that time.
The hydragas suspension system operates at very high pressures, nominally 400psi, so has to be given respect if injury is to be avoided. This system needs to be depressurised before the hydragas components are removed and we can only advise the use of the specific hydrolastic suspension pump to complete this process, available separately as RP1165.
Vehicle Insurance
Please be aware that the majority of motor vehicle insurers will require you, the owner, to advise them of changes made to your vehicle. Owners of cars fitted with the XPart Hydragas System Replacement Kit should advise their insurers that the conversion has been carried out. Should your insurance company request it, XPart has pre-prepared a declaration that you can send to them, it can be found in Section 3, Page 15 of these Fitting Instructions.
Please note that XPart cannot guarantee that your vehicle insurance company will provide insurance as a result of the declaration.
Fitting is as a direct replacement for the original displacer, utilising the original pressed steel mounting plates. There is a slight fiddle to mount on the balljoint then offer up to the body, with the adjuster fully in. Once bolted in place the adjuster is wound out fully to set the car at the optimum standard ride height. The car can be lowered only to a point which does not interfere with the standard geometry.
The Xpart MGF Suspension Kit, designed and manufactured to be fitted as a complete system, replaces the original Hydragas displacers (Rimmer Bros will buy the old unit Hydragas displacers from you) and shock absorbers with new coil spring units (utilising the original pressed steel Hydragas mounting plates) and new matching shock absorbers.
The kit provides handling and ride characteristics somewhere between that of the MGF and the firmer, sportier ride of the coil sprung MG TF.
The kit includes four spring units (front and rear), four non-adjustable shock absorbers and comprehensive fitting instructions. Note that while the spring units are adjustable, this feature is really intended as a fitting aid and not as a means of altering the ride height of the car. Note also that the Xpart kit is not suitable for cars with lowered suspension knuckle joints.
For Australian spec vehicles, use - RP1974R or RP1975R
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm considering the conversion. What's involved in the installation process?
The conversion requires the removal of the existing Hydragas system and the installation of the new coil spring units. While it's a straightforward process for experienced mechanics, you'll need to depressurise the existing system (requiring a hydrolastic pump, available separately as RP1165). The kit uses original mounting points, with an installation time of approximately 2 hours per side for a professional mechanic.
Will this affect my car's handling characteristics?
The kit delivers a carefully engineered compromise between the original MGF and MG TF handling characteristics. You'll notice a firmer ride than the Hydragas system, but not as sporty as the TF. The kit maintains the standard geometry to ensure familiar handling characteristics.
Can I adjust the ride height?
While the kit includes height adjustment capability, this is primarily for installation purposes. It's designed to maintain the standard ride height and geometry. We strongly advise against using this feature for lowering, as it could compromise the suspension geometry.
What ongoing maintenance will the conversion require?
One of the key benefits is simplified maintenance. Unlike the Hydragas system's 400psi pressures and specialised tools, the coil spring setup requires standard suspension maintenance. Regular inspection of springs, dampers and mounting points during servicing is sufficient.
Is this suitable for my MGF?
Yes, the kit is particularly beneficial for earlier MGFs where Hydragas components may be showing their age. However, note that it's not compatible with vehicles featuring lowered suspension knuckle joints and also not suitable for Australian spec vehicles.
What's the total cost consideration, including installation?
Beyond the kit price, factor in professional installation (approximately 4 hours of labour) if you're not completing it yourself. In the long term, you'll benefit from reduced maintenance costs and readily available replacement parts.
How will this affect my insurance?
We provide a pre-prepared insurance declaration document with the kit. While most insurers accept the conversion, we recommend informing them. The documentation includes technical specifications and compliance information to support your notification.
Will I notice a difference in daily driving?
Most owners report a more consistent ride quality, particularly as the conversion eliminates the Hydragas system's tendency to become unbalanced over time. You'll experience a more direct road feel, though not as firm as an MG TF.
What's the lifespan of the new components?
The coil springs and dampers are designed to match or exceed the original component's longevity. The significant advantage is that when replacement is eventually needed, you're working with standard suspension components rather than specialised Hydragas units. All Rimmer Bros parts come with a 12-month manufacturer’s warranty as standard, unless otherwise stated.
What support is available during installation?
The kit includes comprehensive fitting instructions. We recommend photographing the original setup before beginning the conversion - it's always helpful to have a reference point.
I'm considering the conversion. What's involved in the installation process?
The conversion requires the removal of the existing Hydragas system and the installation of the new coil spring units. While it's a straightforward process for experienced mechanics, you'll need to depressurise the existing system (requiring a hydrolastic pump, available separately as RP1165). The kit uses original mounting points, with an installation time of approximately 2 hours per side for a professional mechanic.
Will this affect my car's handling characteristics?
The kit delivers a carefully engineered compromise between the original MGF and MG TF handling characteristics. You'll notice a firmer ride than the Hydragas system, but not as sporty as the TF. The kit maintains the standard geometry to ensure familiar handling characteristics.
Can I adjust the ride height?
While the kit includes height adjustment capability, this is primarily for installation purposes. It's designed to maintain the standard ride height and geometry. We strongly advise against using this feature for lowering, as it could compromise the suspension geometry.
What ongoing maintenance will the conversion require?
One of the key benefits is simplified maintenance. Unlike the Hydragas system's 400psi pressures and specialised tools, the coil spring setup requires standard suspension maintenance. Regular inspection of springs, dampers and mounting points during servicing is sufficient.
Is this suitable for my MGF?
Yes, the kit is particularly beneficial for earlier MGFs where Hydragas components may be showing their age. However, note that it's not compatible with vehicles featuring lowered suspension knuckle joints and also not suitable for Australian spec vehicles.
What's the total cost consideration, including installation?
Beyond the kit price, factor in professional installation (approximately 4 hours of labour) if you're not completing it yourself. In the long term, you'll benefit from reduced maintenance costs and readily available replacement parts.
How will this affect my insurance?
We provide a pre-prepared insurance declaration document with the kit. While most insurers accept the conversion, we recommend informing them. The documentation includes technical specifications and compliance information to support your notification.
Will I notice a difference in daily driving?
Most owners report a more consistent ride quality, particularly as the conversion eliminates the Hydragas system's tendency to become unbalanced over time. You'll experience a more direct road feel, though not as firm